Environment Canada and Mainroad East Kootenay is alerting drivers in the East Kootenay to be mindful of an approaching winter weather event anticipated to impact the region within the next 48 hours, with emphasis on the Elk Valley and Kootenay National Park (KNP) areas, as well as higher elevation locales.

“We are expecting varied conditions, including snowfall, starting early Saturday morning. Mainroad’s meteorological service predicts rain showers mixed with snow starting early Saturday in most regions of the service area, and snowfall over higher elevations. We expect the Elk Valley area to receive the heaviest snow accumulation, possibly up to 10 cm. We are also anticipating that road temperatures could drop below freezing, which could create hazardous conditions, even where the precipitation does not occur as snowfall,” Mainroad reported in a stakeholder update.

Environment Canada has also issued a Special Weather Alert.

“A transition to a showery pattern will begin across central and eastern B.C. later today as a trough of low pressure crosses the province. Freezing levels will drop in the wake of the system on Saturday causing rain showers to switch over to snow, particularly over the high mountain passes,” Environment Canada stated.

“Five cm of snow will fall tonight over Pine Pass where the transition from rain to snow will occur the earliest. Five to 10 cm of snow is expected for the Yoho Park – Kootenay Park region and higher elevations of the Trans-Canada highway including Rogers Pass. Kootenay Pass and the Elk Valley are also expected to receive five cm of snow later Saturday.”

Mainroad stated that before, during and after the event, “our crews will be applying anti-icing chemicals and/or winter abrasive to the road, and will commence snow removal operations as required. This will continue on all highways until the event passes and roadways are returned to the acceptable standard and back to normal.

“All motorists are encouraged to prepare for deteriorating conditions. If travel is necessary, allow more travel time and drive with extra caution, leaving additional space in front of your vehicle.  At this time of year, remember that other motorists may have already removed their winter tires. Please exercise patience around other motorists and our snow removal equipment,” Mainroad outlined.

Consult DriveBC for road conditions before travelling.

Lead image: A file photo of a snowy driving day last winter at Elko. e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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